The Oyo State Government has assured residents that it is fully prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to any potential outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following renewed cases reported in parts of Africa.
Health authorities say the state has intensified surveillance and activated response systems as a precautionary step, despite confirming that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the government is closely monitoring the regional situation, especially recent outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
“We are closely watching the developments and have strengthened our preparedness structures to ensure the safety of residents,” she said.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often deadly illness transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or tissues of humans or animals. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea, with severe cases sometimes involving internal or external bleeding.
Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that surveillance activities have been reinforced across all 33 local government areas of the state, with healthcare facilities placed on high alert.
“Disease surveillance systems have been strengthened across the state, and all health facilities are on heightened alert to ensure early detection and quick response,” she noted.
She added that surveillance officers, rapid response teams, and laboratory systems have been mobilised, while key emergency response structures have been fully activated.
According to her, the state’s Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group has also been reactivated as part of broader preparedness efforts.
“We have activated all critical response pillars and strengthened coordination mechanisms to ensure we are ready for any eventuality,” she added.
The commissioner also urged healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, and residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases showing symptoms such as sudden fever, vomiting, unexplained bleeding, or travel history to affected regions.
She stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Oyo State or anywhere in Nigeria, urging the public not to panic but to remain alert.
“Preparedness remains our strongest defence against any outbreak,” she said, adding that the government continues to work with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and international partners such as the World Health Organization.
Authorities called for collective responsibility in safeguarding public health, emphasizing that vigilance and early reporting remain key to preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
